Physical Examination

Your Physical Examination will evaluate your condition and develop a working diagnosis. The examination will include specific orthopedic and neurological tests to assess:

- Range of motion of the affected area that is observed while you walk, turn, bend, or lift
- Muscle tone
- Muscle strength
- Neurological integrity
- Posture

Chiropractic Diagnosis

The combination of the history, examination, and diagnostic studies will allow your chiropractor to reach a specific diagnosis, which will help the doctor of chiropractic determine whether your condition or pain may respond to chiropractic care. The chiropractor will explain:

If your chiropractor determines that your condition would be more appropriately treated by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral. Your treatment plan may also involve collaborative care with other health care providers, such as your primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a neurologist. In many cases, such as those involving lowerback pain, chiropractic care may be the primary treatment method. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal problems associated with the condition.

Chiropractic Treatment

If you and your doctor of chiropractic agree that chiropractic will help, you will receive your first chiropractic adjustment. While patients are typically asked to lie on a specially designed table, the chiropractor most often uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the
body, particularly the spine, to reduce pain and restore or enhance joint function. Your doctor of chiropractic will adapt the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Other treatments, including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice and heat, traction,
soft-tissue massage, and rehabilitative exercises, may also be used.

When Will I Feel Better?

Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but it may take others two to three weeks before they achieve substantial progress. Many factors can affect the healing process. Are you suffering from a chronic problem or pain? Do you smoke? Are you following the recommended treatment plan? Usually, the more fully patients carry out the doctor's recommendations, the better the results.

Meet Dr. Stege

“I am thrilled to be able
to live and work in Northern
Michgan”

Jessica Stege is a 2006
graduate of Palmer West
College of Chiropractic.
She opened her new...
read more

Why Chiropractic

We proudly provide quality, comprehensive
chiropractic care to the community
of Manistee, Michigan and surrounding
areas. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional care to ensure your overall
health and well being.

Learn more about why you should consider Chiropractic Care... read more